Research​/Data Analyst

The Office of Workforce and Community Initiatives (OWCI) is seeking candidates to fill Research/Data Analyst positions located in Cole County based at 3705 MO Blvd 2nd Floor, Jefferson City, MO.
Remote or hybrid is not an option. The essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

This position is primarily responsible for transforming OWCI program data into high‑impact visual analytics products that support program leadership, management, and executive‑level decision‑making. Using specialized software such as Tableau, Power BI, MS Office products, and coding languages including Python and SQL, the role creates visually compelling dashboards, interactive reports, and polished briefings that clearly communicate trends, outcomes, and performance indicators, requiring a strong emphasis on data storytelling, intuitive UI/UX design, and the ability to present complex information clearly and accurately.

In addition, this position applies data management expertise to support the preparation, refinement, and maintenance of moderate to complex data systems, including analyzing specifications, participating in the installation and testing of data management systems, and supporting system migration into operational environments while ensuring data integrity and security. The role may assist in developing detailed conceptual data models and translating them into design specifications, tuning database applications for optimal performance, and providing technical guidance or leadership to junior staff, while acting with independence and accountability for portions of larger projects.

• Work with Data Analysts, internal stakeholders, and contractors to create recurring and ad hoc dashboards, visual reports, and data summaries for Office of Workforce and Community Initiatives Employment and Training programs.
• Design, develop, and maintain highly interactive dashboards and executive‑ready presentations using Tableau, Power BI, and other visualization tools, ensuring layouts are intuitive, clean, and aligned with best practice design standards.
• Gather, blend, and model data from multiple disparate sources to ensure accurate, consistent reporting and a single source of truth for visual analytics products.
• Present data in simplified and visually compelling formats that highlight trends, anomalies, KPIs, and program performance through charts, visualizations, and narrative explanations.
• Apply UI/UX principles, including effective visual hierarchy, appropriate chart selection, color standards, and accessible dashboard layouts that support both technical and non‑technical users.
• Partner with management and executive stakeholders to gather requirements, understand strategic priorities, and convert business questions into clear technical design specifications for visual reporting products.
• Review and evaluate legislation for impact on agency operations; prepare visual summaries and analysis to support strategic planning and implementation.
• Provide technical guidance on visualization standards, effective dashboard design, and the use of management reporting tools for monitoring program performance.
• Perform duties in accordance with supervisor direction and established policies and procedures at all times. Complete assigned tasks in an accurate, timely, professional, and confidential manner.
• Assist in reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness and operational management of workforce, medical, and community support programs through visual analytics and performance dashboards.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and problem‑solving by crafting clear, concise visual narratives that support decision makers at all levels.

• Knowledge of data…